Auto Parts: Lincoln TownCars Compatibility For Shocks & springs, lincoln towncars, auto salvage yard

Question
QUESTION: Which models and years for Lincoln TownCars are compatible for replacement parts(shocks & springs) to convert from Air Suspension System to just regular springs and shock absorbers? I have a 1998 Lincoln TownCar, Executive series.

ANSWER:      All Town Cars, Crown Vics, and Grand Marquis from '94 and up can be fitted with coil springs instead of air bags.  It is a part number CC865 Moog coil spring.  I know several folks that have had this conversion done and it is simple and painless.  You have to disconnect the factory ride height sensor and the air pump, but you won't need these anyway.  I even know one fellow who turned the air pump into a tire pump, but it ended up being more expensive than just buying a 12V pump at the store.

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QUESTION: Thanks for the answer concerning the springs; but what about the shock absorbers...do they come with the CC865 Moog coil? Can I go to an auto salvage yard and get these springs & shock absorbers from a junked vehicle?

Answer
    There's no need to change the shocks, they use the same ones as the air suspension.  Everyone who sells a shock to fit this vehicle just offers a standard shock and one for the limousine.  The limousine has a different axle assembly and brakes.  Motorcraft does offer a shock specifically for the factory handling suspension (read police car on Crown Vics).  If you wanted to spend the money on them, they might make the car handle a little better.  If you REALLY are interested in better handling, get ADDCO's uprated anti-sway bars, front and rear, and have them fitted along with the new springs and shocks.  You'll think you traded in on a Mustang.  Really, I've a lot of experience with this particular type of modification.  It's relatively inexpensive and can easily be done in the driveway.  I had a '76 MKIV Lincoln that I bought in '86.  After fitting it with a pair of these sway bars and a lower ratio rear end, I could run rings around the 5.0 Mustangs in the area.